Vista and U3

 

There are some important things you should know about using U3 smart drives with Microsoft Vista.

Launchpad Version

Please be aware that many existing U3 smart drives will not work with Microsoft Vista without an upgrade to the U3 Launchpad. Vista compatible Launchpad versions are 1.4 and higher. These Launchpad updates will be available ONLY from the website of your smart drive manufacturer. U3 does not distribute Launchpad updates. Please use the ‘Check for Updates’ feature on the U3 Launchpad. It can be found on the Launchpad under Status and Settings, U3 Launchpad settings.

Manufacturers' Firmware Restrictions

Due to legacy issues, some versions of firmware cannot be upgraded to support Microsoft Vista. On the U3 Launchpad, the firmware version is called Device Version. On some drives, the Launchpad will not work properly with Vista even if they are upgraded to Launchpad version 1.4.x.x. On these devices, the removable disk partition works normally with Vista.

For SanDisk smart drives: firmware (or device) versions 2.15, 2.16 and 2.21 support Vista while firmware releases 2.17 and 2.18, do NOT support Vista. 

Please check your manufacturer's web site before upgrading to ensure there are no restrictions on your smart drive that would make upgrading unfeasible.

To check the firmware version on your smart drive: 

U3 Smart Applications

Only those applications on U3 Software Central that explicitly state they work with Microsoft Vista in the System Requirements should be used on Vista. We are working with our developer community to make Vista-supported applications available in a timely fashion.  Please be sure to check back periodically for updates.

Launchpad Download Sites

Here is a list of download sites for manufacturers who currently offer a Vista Compatible version. We try to keep this up to date, but please notify us if you are aware of other manufacturer download sites or links that are no longer valid.

Here is a list of  web links to a Microsoft Vista compatible Launchpad. Upgrades are provided by the manufacturers who made your smart drive. Please back up all of your important data before applying any patches. If you have problems installing an upgrade, please refer to the manufacturer's support pages for further guidance.

Emtec (Intuix)

http://www.intuix.net/contextuel/stockage/u3_presentation.php?categorie=STOCKAGE

Kingston

http://www.kingston.com/support/downloads/usbdatatrav/default.asp?s=dti_u3

SanDisk

http://sandisk.com/Retail/Default.aspx?CatID=1411

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The U3 smart drive Launchpad runs on computers running Windows 2000 from SP4 onwards, Windows XP and Windows Server 2003. U3 Launchpad versions 1.4 and higher also run on Windows Vista with some limitations governed by the firmware version of your drive. For more details about what firmware versions are Vista compatible please see the article,

Will the U3 Launchpad run on Windows Vista?

Some U3 smart drive manufacturers provide driver downloads to allow you to access your files on Windows '98 computers. These drivers are available from the support web sites of the individual U3 smart drive manufacturers, e.g. Memorex, Verbatim, etc.

Remember, you will only be able to access your files on other operating systems if your drive is not password protected.

Launchpad will not currently run under Mac OS or Linux but you will be able to access your files from the U3 smart drive storage partition.

Check the packaging. There are usually two sets of supported environments, one for the flash drive and one for the U3 Platform. If the flash disk itself supports an operating system not supported by U3, you should be able to use the device for ordinary copy and paste operations. Just use the removable disk portion and ignore the CD-ROM. If the device does not work in this manner, you should contact the manufacturer.